I'm new to being a birth doula, and will be attending my first birth sometime this month. I'm wondering what I should wear. I'd like to look professional and be comfortable at the same time. I was considering wearing scrubs, but I wonder if that would be too sterile-looking for the mom. Also, I don't want to be mistaken for a hospital staff person. Sweats seem too casual to me. Any advice? Doulas: what do you wear? Moms: what have your doulas worn, or what would you like to see them wear?
2007-01-13 04:28:23 · 12 answers · asked by bananababies 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I am a doula, and personally don't think wearing scrubs is a good idea for all the reasons mentioned above. And I agree that sweats are too casual.
I usually wear nice casual clothes in layers. Your body temp will change with your activity, so it's always good to be able to at least have a sweater. I wear to a birth the same thing I wear doing my day to day routines, I make it a point not to own uncomfortable clothes. This way if I am ever called into a birth unexpectedly and don't have enough time to change, I know I'll be comfortable and presentable at the same time.
It's a good idea to put an extra outfit in your bag, tshirts and yoga pants can be rolled up to take up little space. You never know what's gonna happen in each birth and you will be appreciative to have something to change into if needed.
My last birth went over 24 hours, and I had to struggle to even remember what I wore, and honestly I'll bet the mama can't remember either.
I wish you the best of luck at your first birth!
2007-01-16 09:41:09 · answer #1 · answered by Ti 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm also a doula and I plan to either wear what I wore to work that day (business casual) or change into yoga wear. I hear crocs are decent shoes to wear also; you want something you can slip on and off in case you need to get up in the bed to help massage or support mom while she's pushing (squatting, etc.) I like the idea of scrubs but I, too, am worried that someone will mistake me for an employee at the hospital. As long as your clothes are comfortable and don't look overly worn or have holes, you should be okay. During your prenatal and postnatal visits, you should focus on a more professional look.
2007-01-13 06:21:01 · answer #2 · answered by chamely_3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a doula and I don't wear scrubs, but I know that some doulas do. I don't want to be confused with a medical professional, I'm not there for medical reasons.
I usually wear nice jeans or nice yoga pants with a solid colored long sleeved shirt. I've heard that a lot of doulas love to wear Croc shoes because they are comfortable and easily cleaned.
I think that if you have a sincere and professional demeanor, the hospital staff will treat you with respect.
2007-01-13 04:37:55 · answer #3 · answered by Hannah H 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I kind of agree with you on not wanting to look like a hospital worker, because you are not. Someone might not recognize you and mistake you for staff and that could get you in trouble. Unfortunately, some hospital staff might not like it and it could cause interference.
My doula just wore comfortable pants, I think, and a shirt with the logo of her company on it. Bottom line, wear something you're comfortable in but I wouldn't wear scrubs, to be honest.
2007-01-13 04:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I know lots of doulas and had doulas at 2 of my 3 births. They have usually worn either scrubs that aren't the "traditional drab" colors, brighter or print or something, or a shirt that has a logo of their doula service on it or shirts that have positive birth/breastfeeding/mothering messages to them.
2007-01-13 06:46:44 · answer #5 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree...find scrubs with a baby theme...you can get some custom embroidered for you with DOULA on them as well. I used to sell scrubs on ebay...there are lots of great ladies who do it. Many will even let you go pick out your fabric and mail it to them so you get just what you like.
2007-01-13 04:35:36 · answer #6 · answered by bgmom 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest some nice yoga-wear. There are some very attractive outfits available, and they are designed for comfort and ease of movement. I think they would look professional in a "hip" sort of way.
2007-01-13 06:10:54 · answer #7 · answered by who me? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-20 00:28:10 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get one of those designer scrubs. But don't get the busy flowers or neon kind - just get something that contributes to a calm and quite delivery.
Try a pastel color, like peach or blue.
2007-01-13 04:35:24 · answer #9 · answered by fizzents 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You should wear scrubs- find colorful ones with babies or angels or something like that. Check ebay- lots of mom sew them themselves with various fabrics.
2007-01-13 04:33:57 · answer #10 · answered by iampatsajak 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋